Pups and kids

• Kids shouldn’t be expected to be responsible for primary care of a puppy, an adult should always be ready to help and coach. 

• Kids shouldn’t be left alone with any dog or puppy until it would be safe for them to be left home alone for several hours without adult supervision.  Some dogs are only safe with adult supervision or physical management when kids are present.  

• Infants and toddlers always need an adult in the same space actively supervising, preferably between the child and dog.  With young children, it is ok for the goal to be calmly sharing space with your pup.   

• Consider developmental stages of the child and dog. Do not assume your kid’s friends understand how to interact with your dog, always actively supervise or separate the dog from the kids.

• When active supervision isn’t possible, separate with physical management.  Play with toys should be supervised, and all toys should encourage the dog to keep their mouth off of kid’s skin and clothes.  

• Remove the dog from kids participating in active play in which they run or scream to avoid injuries to both the kids and the dog.

• When kids are able to participate in training, it is a great way for them to bond with a dog.  Treats can be dropped to the ground to help keep mouths and fingers separated.  Use a barrier like a baby gate to prevent the dog from jumping up during a training session if they are still learning to be polite.  Teach easy behaviors like eye contact and sitting to start. Older kids will be able to do more advanced skills and participate in activities like leash walking.  

• Kids shouldn’t be expected to walk a dog they cannot handle if it pulled on the leash or were approached by an off leash dog.

• Kids should be taught that other dogs may not behave like their dog and to ask permission from an adult and the dog to interract.  A familiar adult should always be present to supervise interactions (we don't talk to stangers just because they are walking a dog).

Here are some easy rules for kids:

• Never put your face near a dog’s face – dogs don’t like to be approached for hugs and kisses and can find staring threatening. 

• Be quiet and walk slowly. Dogs can get over excited or scared by loud noises and fast movements! 

• Always wait or encourage a dog to come to you! If they don’t, walk away.  When they want to be petted or play, they will come to you.

• Never disturb dogs while they are sleeping or resting.  Dog beds and crates or confinement areas should be off limits to kids.

• Never go up to a dog if they are eating, have a chew or have a toy.  If you want to play, get a toy and see if they will play with you.

• Dogs growl when they are angry or scared. Simply look away, fold your arms THEN hold still or slowly walk away.